An Examination of Criminal Justice Curricula in Colorado: Searching for Evidence-based Practices

Abstract

The emergence of EBP in the correctional disciplines as critical components of recidivism reduction cannot be ignored. Thus, there should be a focus on preparing the correctional practitioners of tomorrow through criminal justice (CJ) education today. Specifically, baccalaureate level CJ majors should receive a well-rounded education including a core requirement and available electives covering the topic of evidence-based practices (EBP). In order to investigate whether undergraduate CJ majors, who are the targets of contemporary correctional employers, are receiving appropriate exposure to EBP, the curricula of 21 Colorado four-year colleges and universities was examined for inclusion of the term in course titles and descriptions. The examination identified only three institutions offering elective courses covering EBP and zero institutions requiring a core course on the topic. An argument is made for the inclusion of an EBP-specific requirement in baccalaureate CJ programs to better prepare future correctional practitioners for entrance into the field.